; MARIANA 



OF 



FLORENCE. 



21 Slrama, 



IN THREE ACTS 



By JOHN GILBERT. 



Entered according to Act of Congress. 



NEW YOKK : 



t 185 










rp 



MARIANA 



OF 



FLORENCE 



31 SDrama, 



IN THREE ACTS 



By JOHN GILBERT. 



Entered according to Act of Congress. 



NEW YORK : 

L. W. STARR, 183 WILLIAM STREET. 
1857. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



Signor Fernando, (a nobleman of the house of GJiebldine,) 

Signor Gonzalo, (a nobleman of the house of Bianchi,) . 

Raffaelo, a Neapolitan artist, 

Antonio, Marco, Masini, {Florentine sculptors,) 

Gomo, {Propjietor of a Smithy,) 

Tomaso, } 

Jacopo, >• Gomo's Assistants, 

Ferro, ) 

Captain of the Guard, 

Two Citizens, 

Signora Gonzalo, 

Mariana, 

Julietta, 

Priest, 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Flower Girls, &c. 



Watered according to Act of Congress in7hc year 1S57 
% JOHN GILBERT 
in the <**, office of the District Co.* of the United State 8 

Southern District of N ev York. 



TMP92-009262 



MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 



ACT I. 

Scene i. — A Studio with figures and busts. Antonio l. Marini r 
and Marco at a table r. c. carousing. Scene opens with 
laughter. 

Antonio. Here's to Momus, the God of mirth and raillery. 
[drinks.) Now, gentlemen, fill your glasses again. Let us do 
honor to Bacchus as becomes the warm blood of true Florentines. 
1 vow by the fair Mariana, whose divine beauty ravishes the 
seuses of all who have the extreme houor to behold her, that I 
see even now that wine-puffed God astride a butt of wine (laughs) 
ay in the full tide and glory of his revered godship — winking 
so knowingly, coaxiugly, and so cunniugly on this very night to 
make me fancy I'm in reality among a host of wine-drinking gods 
with a never-ending flow of spirits, (lauglis.) Am I right? 
Come fill again ! Here's to Mariana, the Florentine beauty. 
(They rise and drink to the toast.) 

Marini. Bravissimo ! Thou say'st right, Antonio. It is no 
illusion of the senses. I feel, too, a flow of animal spirits. "Tis 
glorious. It is indeed alike glorious and romantic that we three 
should equally chance to see and fall desperately in love with 
one and the same object, (laughs,) ha ! ha ! Come ! let's fill — 
Long life to Mariana — ltalia's pride ! (They drink to the toast.) 

Marco, (laughs) ha ! ha ! Why, gentlemen, I've read 'tis 
true, many a love romance, yet one to equal ours, I swear cannot 
be found. Three to love oue object (laughs) ha ! ha! Now who 
is it ? Mariana, inaccessible to mortal man — so it's said — and 
the reward of our love-sick repinings. Hush ! why in sooth a 
phantom dancing ever and anon before the eyes to dazzle them 
with its earthly loveliness. Now venture to touch it with the 
tip of one's small pointed finger. Lo 1 it vanishes into air — 



4 MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 

what a gloomy prospect for the three love-sick swains, eh? 
(laughs) ha ! ha ! Gome a bumper this time, ay, an overflowing 
bumper. To Mariana we pledge our hearts ! {They drink to the 
toast.) 

Antonio. 'Gad ! This wine lends fire to my blood— Kindles 
up my imagination to a fiery blaze, giving me double confidence 
in myself, "nerving me now to propose and enter heart and 
soul upon a love adventure, which would be, if carried out as I 
intend, a romance, ay, o'ertopping romance by odds, and worthy 
of us too. The Florentine love-sick Three. What say ye — Wilt 
hear it ? 

Maeini. I By ail means. We know thy head isscrew'd on the 
right way and lacks not brains. 

Marco. Nor does it wit or cunning to weave a web, and 
catch a wary fly. So out with it good Antonio. 



Delay is dangerous they stvy , 
Frolic be the order of the day. 



( They rise.) 

Antonio, (c.) ITow, you both know the piazza and the 
dwelling of Signor Gonzalo, one of the proud and imperious of 
the house of Bianchi. Well ! Mariana is by the stern and iron 
will of her unnatural father caged therein, like a much-valued 
and tender fondling, much, I doubt not, against her own inclina- 
tion, for she, like the rest of her sex, has her affections and 
antipathies— that's natural, of course. Now may we not make 
a venture, or in other words begin a chivalrous love adventure, 
to wit ? I'll repair me. to the piazza and under the window of 
the fair and lovely Marchesa — disguised to suit the occasion — 
seek by signs, serenading and gesticulation to attract her atten- 
tion, and if she's a woman, nay a very Goddess, the fruit of my 
adventure may be a midnight scramble into her chamber and a 
fond embrace as a reward of my gallantry. Now gentlemen 
what think ye of my plan ? 

Marini. Glorious ! (laughs) ha ! ha ! 

Marco. Incontestibly glorious, (laughs) ha ! ha ! 

Marini. Ay, worthy the intellectual head of Antonio. By 
Jove ! 'tis a ray of Mariana's wisdom both romantic and frolic- 
some. Say the attempt shall be made to night at the hour of 12. 

Antonio.) Agreed , 



Marco. 

Antonio. Now gentlemen, in order to make this adventure 
fair for each, since we are equally in love with Mariana, and also 
to deceive her that each visit from each of us be in fact the visits 
of but one and the self-same lover, I propose that we present 
ourselves, clad alike, so that should one succeed all three will 
win the prize.} 



MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 5 

Marini ( {Both seizing Antonio by the hand) Bravo Antonio, 
and < Thou rogue ! 0, 'tis wondrous clever — (they laugh) 
Marco ( ha ! ha ! 

Antonio. Now for the dice. Bach throw. He that throws 
the highest number shall have the honor of the first adventure. 

Marini ( 

and < Agreed ! 

Marco. ( 

( They throw alternately.) 

Antonio. (Throwing.) That's high, by Jupiter ! 

Marco, (throwing.) That's lower, by Pan! 

Marini. (throwing.) That's still lower, by Pluto ! 

Antonio, (laughs.) Ha ! ha ! 'Gad ! I'm the highest. I've 
cast my own lot, the first to enter upon this tournament of love. 
"Well ! be it so. 

Marco. Gentlemen, we'll drink another bumper J,o sweet 
Mariana and success to our enterprise of love and fun. ( They 
drink to the toast.) 

Antonio. Before concluding, gentlemen, I propose that we 
bind our contract chivalrously in accordance with Florentine 
usage from immemorial time. Draw ! (they draw their rapiers) 
Now cross! (they cross their rapiers.) 

Antonio. We, Antonio, Marini and Marco do here swear to 
bind ourselves in solemn compact, faithfully to carry out this 
scheme. 

Antoni 

Marco. -J I swear ! 



Mari 



nio. ( 



Scene ii. Exterior of a Smithy on a Street.] Gomo, Tomaso, 
J acovo and Ferro enter r. n. i c 



Gomo. I tell you Tomaso, Jacopo, and Ferro that you never 
shod horses more vilely, and that you have not earned your day's 
wages. Now come and finish the labors of the day by rivetting 
the doors of the old prison, then get your suppers and be up 
early in the morning to mend your ways. Stay, here is some 
lord who seeks me — perhaps you mayfliave to go to work to 
night. 



6 MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 

Enter Signor Fernando, l. h. 

Signor Fernando. Good evening master Gomo ! Good 
evening to all. Dost thou not know me, Gomo ? 

Gomo. Know thee? Doth not the dog's instinct point him 
his master ? Wherefore then should not Gomo know thee most 
noble Signor Fernando ? 

Signor Fernando. Ah, thou knowest me, indeed, Gomo. 
But why have you labored so hard ? Faith ! would 'st thou outdo 
the God Vulcan, in skill ?. 

Gomo. Humph ! In what manner, and wherefore Signor ? 

Signor Fernando. In making a shield and armour superior 
to Yulcan's, for some future Achilles, or iEneas ; the sceptre of 
Agamemnon ; the Golden collar given to Hermione ; the golden 
dogs that watched the house of Alcinous, or the urn which 
received the ashes of Achilles, for to tell thee the truth, Gomo, 
thou and thy companions are, in truth, fair specimens of Vulcan 
and his three Cyclops. 

Gomo. . (laughs.) Ha ! ha! The comparison is good in the 
main ; yet I like it not, since the marrow of it savors of flattery, 

its object may hap (pauses.) Well! well! 'tis best knotvn 

to thyself! But what service would'st thou have of me ? We but 
live to serve, and serve to live again. 

Fernando. Yes I have need of thy aid. 

Gomo. Is it a divinity to be entrapped ? or is the removal 
of some loathsome biped that has dared to cross thy beaten 
track necessary? It is so, or Gomo lacks a prophetic eye. 
(laughs.) ha ! ha ! 

Signor Fernando. A word with thee, (taking Gomo to l.) 
Thou hast, indeed, hit the mark. I see thou hast keenly sharpen'd 
wits, burly strength, and a nerve well strung. Now it is one 
like thee I'd fain gain for my purpose. But my much- esteemed 
Gomo, can these friends of thine be trusted ? 

Gomo. (laughs) Ha ! ha ! Doubt it not, Signor. The kennel 
dog is not more subservient to the will of his master than each 
of them is to Gomo. (to his companions.) Come hither. (Tomaso. 
Jacopo, and Ferro advance.) 

Proceed Signor. 

Signor Fernando, (l.) It is of Mariana, the daughter of old 
Gonzalo, I'd speak. At one time she seemed to lend a partial 
ear to me ; but strange to say she will not further listen to my 
suit. By sheer accident I discovered the cause. One Raffaelo, 
by power of sorcery or such like means, hath gained an ascen- 
dancy over her affections, which leaves no room for me to hope. 
So then, I'd have this dog to lick the dust — the merited penalty 
of his audacity. It is, to say the least, a punishable impertinence 
that he a poor artist, of low-born birth, and nameless family, 



MARIANA OF FLORENCE. * 

should dare aspire to the hand of the fair and beauteous Mariana 
of the powerful house of Bianchi. Again I say, brave Gomo, 
this dog must die ! m 

Gomo. Ay, a premature death. 

Signor Fernando. I find thee apt, and thou hast not been 
belied. I know that Gomo for wit and ability in such matters, 
is matchless. Hence I have come to thee, and if thou wilt do 
my bidding the reward shall be 5,000 florins, one half to be 
paid the instant the bargaiu's struck, the other when the job's 
accomplished. 

Gomo. Ugh ! Five thousand florins to be split into two parts, 
one part to make a will for the deed, the other paid to stifle one's 
conscience. No ! no ! I cannot lake it. The sum's too small, 
mostnoble S'gnor. 

Signor Fernando. The sum's too small ? How much too 
little then, brave Gomo ? 

Gomo. A thousand — an even number and easier to divide for 
four. What say'st thou Signor? 
Signor Fernando. Agreed ! Six thousand I'll give thee. 
Gomo. (to his companinos.) Friends what say ye to this ? Can 
ye shed a little more blood, then lull your consciences to sleep 
with the chink of six thousand florins. If so— the signal ! The 
signal ! (Gomo's companions here hurl their hammers over their 
heads and poise them. Siovor Fernando starts, crossing to r. h.) 
Nay, do not start S'gnor. Those hammers were not raised to 
strike thee, but the bargaiu. (laughs.) Now Signor we'd have 
an exact description of Raffaelo's person, since we know him not, 
his rendezvous and the time thou deem'st it charitable to send 
him hence. 

Signor Fernando. Well spoken ! At the quiet hour of 
midnight he betakes himself to the Piazza, near Gonzalo's house. 
Nightly he repairs thither enveloped in a cloak, wearing a 
slouched hat, adorned with plumes of white feathers and in hi3 
hand a guitar. Now these things with the assurance that none 
other would be spoken to by Mariana at such a time, will, I'm 
sure, be. all-sufficient for the keen eagle-eye of Gomo and his 
companions. 

Gomo. Right ! good and noble Signor. Give me the three 
thousand florins, then be assured the deed's half done. 

Signor Fernando, (hands Gomo a purse.) Now Gomo re- 
member 12 o'clock at night. The Piazza. Strike to his heart's 
core. That daring interloper shall pay the forfeit of his blind 
idolatry. 

Gomo. Ay, ay, Signor. He dies. My word's my bond. 
Tomorrow night we'll dispatch him. Then what say'st thou to 
our meeting on the following night at the old castle ruins as its 
ponderous bells strike one ? 



8 MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 

Signor Fernando. With all my heart. I 

Gomo. Come, lads, come on with me, we'll study how to do 
this work. (Gomo cvid his companions exeunt l. h.) 

Signor Fernando (aside.) Tis well ! now success must in sooth 
crown the undertaking and I shall win a prize (for to win is but to 
remove Raffaelo,) which to clasp will be a cestus of delight, nay a 
heavenly unction to my soul in a two-fold way. First— the pos 
session of so much beauty. Second — the much-coveted recon- 
ciliation of the houses of Ghebbeline andBianchi which for ages 
have been arrayed against each other in deadly strife. This 
wish is paramount. The means for the end is, however, blood. 
Well! let it flow. The alternative is apt. Not mine the act- 
but theirs ! (Exit Signor Fernando, r. h.) 

Scene 3. — The Piazza. Signor Gonzalo's mansion adjoining. 
Enter Raffaelo l. with a guitar, cloak, slouched hat and white 

feathers. 

Raffaelo. (solus.) Yes, Raffaelo fate would have it so, that 
thou should'st seek refuge here in Florence, behold, and love the 
fairest of her sex. ! what a solace it is that my passionate 
love for her hath been requited. How blessed am I that her 
heart and soul are mine, as mine are hers. Is it not a sWy fancy, 
which sportive Cupid has conjured up to mock me with ? Alas! 
methinks 'tis that forsooth, since how should I aspire to the hand 
of Mariana— daughter of the proudest and wealthiest house — 
or why should she descend to the level of Raffaelo, the strug- 
gling artist ? The thought realizing my fondest hope, sets my 
brain on fire, and makes my soul almost a wreck. 

(The convent bell strikes the hour of 12. Raffaelo repairs to 
Mariana's window, and cautiously looks about him, then strikes 
the strings of his Guitar. Mariana appears at the window — drops 
a letter and closss the window. Raffaelo picks up the letter.) 

(reading the tetter.) " Do not tarry Raffaelo — I'm prevented 
from conversing with thee. Adieu till we meet again.'' (folding 
the letter.) Argel, I obey. (exit Raffaelo, r.) • 

Enter Antonio (l.) with a guitar, disguised with a cloak, slouched 

hat and white feathers. 

Antonio. Egad ! There's the piazza, and that Gonzalo's 
house. That room above cages the lovely Mariana — I've caught 
glimpses of her more than once and know her to be an angel 
But how can I first attract her to the window ? ! easily. 

(he plays.) 
Gomo and his companions observed to enter stealthily, l. h. 
Gomo. In the very nick of time. See ! Softly ! steady ! and 
all's well. ! 



MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 9 

Tomaso. Look ! He's about to sing. Hush ! 
Ferro. Let's at him. No time to loo.^c. 
Gomo. Hush! Be still as wily tigers, when I cry time, follow ! 
Antonio, (r. c.) sings, 

Sweet Mariana listen I pray, 
'Tis love for thee hath b onght me here ; 
For I've sorrowed the live-long day, 
To sing in y lay my soul 1o cheer. 

Listen ! 0, listen ! 

Alas! she's not shown herself! Strange! On second thoughts, 
no ! She's, no doubt, lulled to balmy sleep. I'll not despair ! 
(Gomo and his companions hide, l. u. e.) No, I'll not go without 
a second trial. Another expedient I've hit upon. 

Gomo and his companions reappear, l. u. E. 
Gomo. Time ! 

Gomo and his companinns dash at Antonio, plunge their daggers 
into his body and disappear. 

Antonio. Stabbed by assassins ! 0, Heaven ! (falls.) Help! 
help ! Mariana ! Marini ! Marco ! ! I see it all — a plot most 
cruel and bloody ! (dies.)] 

(Murmurs without.) 

Enter Two Citizens, (l.) 

1st Citizen. Good heaveus ! what have we here ? (examines 
the body.) Fly ! fly ! Alarm the night-guard. Let the tocsin 
sound the alarm. Fly ! I say, fly ! (exit Citizen, l. The noise 
without increases. The tocsin is heard. 

Enter Captain of the Night-Guard and Soldiers, (l.) (A light 
appears at Mariana's window.) 

Captain of the Night-Guard, (examines the body.) A foul 
assassination ? Heavens ! This deed stains the honored name 
of Florence, See to it, guards. Bear this body hence, and seek 
the murderers out ! A tragedy like this under the very threshold 
of the noblest house of Bianchi ! Away ! To the guard-house ! 
away! (exit all bearing off the body of Antonio.) 

[ Mariana observed to come, w, from the door of her father's 
house, holding a light in her hand. She betray* much alarm and 
looks with caution about her.] 

Mariana. Weary, I hasten me to bed. Now came to vibrate 
on the midnight air, music so plaintivoKStflilodious to waken me. 
I listened — Alas ! 'twas not Raffaelo^ "there being too much 
venture in the delivery. Raffaelo is more wary. Then groans 
followed by a confused din of many and varied voices of harsh 
utterance. 



10 MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 

Julietta observed to come from door r. 

Julietta. My lady ! my lady. ! why hast thou ventured 
forth ? Indeed thou riskest too much lady Mariana. 

Mariana. Hush ! Julietta ! my mind wanders. The air 
seems loathsome, as it would, methinks, werj I standing upon the 
grave of the dead ! 

Julietta. 0! my lady! I prithee quit this spot. Do let us 
re-enter. 

Mariana. Saints of Heaven ! what do I tread upon ? ! 
Julietta, it is moist, but not water I fear ! 

Julietta. My lady do come away ! 

Mariana. It is tenacious and clammy, and rivets me to the 
spot. Great God ! my body feels pressed in the slimy folds of a 
serpent ! 

Julietta. All this is fancy my lady. ! do not linger here. 
Come ! come away ! 

Mariana, (stoops and examines live ground.) 0, horror ! blood! 
blood! Now maddened thoughts of doubt and fear croud upon 
my fevered brain ! Julietta. ! this may be Raffaelo's precious 
blood and 1 the innocent cause that led the fell destroyer to shed 
it, (weeps.) 

Julietta. ! say not so my lady. ! do not weep. 

Mariana, (recovering herself.) Adieu! adieu to silly tears. I'll 
weep no more. I'll think of nothing but Raffaeloand his re- 
venge, Ay, if he be dead his murder shall have atonement, or 
Mariana dies in the attempt ! Now to the guard-house. To the 
guard-house Julietta. 

Julietta. (clinging to Mariana.) 0, stay my lady ! Stay my 
lady*! 

Mariana. No ! no ! Julietta, I go, I go ! 

Julietta. Nay, nay ! Julietta implores thee not to go. 'Tis 
meet to' enter and alarm the house. This fury of thine is madness, 

Mariana. Julietta unhand me, my duty calls me. I must 
and will obey ! 

Enter Signor Gonzalo, Signofa Gonzalo and attendants, r. with 
torches. 

Father! Mother! b^^^that blood! 0, horrid ! horrid 
horrid ! (Mariana drops dJjB"?'' hiees and weeps aloud.) 



£n& of act i. 



MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 11 * 

ACT II. 

Scene I. Extcror of a smithy on a street. Same as scene 2d — act 
First. A storm, Gomo, Tomaso, Jacopo and Ferro. 

Gomo. Faith ! the night's a bit rough, boys. 

Tomaso. Ay, in troth a teaser, Gomo. 

Jacopo. Each flasa and peal would warn the near approach 
of the Larvae, Rome's goblins and spectres, [they laugh.] 

Ferro. Or the coming' of the Furie3. [they laugh.] Say, 
Gomo what didst think of Raffaelo's apparition at the castle 
ruins ? 

Gomo. Humph ! Sure 'twas an apparition, thou blubber-head- 
ed wiseacre ? 

Ferro. 'Twould seem like it, or would the vaunting Gomo 
stand and look aghast, and then shrink into an aspen leaf's 
quiver ? 

Gomo. Liar ! 'Tis idle bravado that of thine, and as false as 
Hell! Gomo quiver like an aspen leaf! No! he would not in 
the presence of all the furies. 

Ferro Thou didst, by my soul I swear it ! 

Gomo [seizes Ferro by the throat.] Wilt thou belie me ? ac- 
cuse wrongfully and swear falsely? Hear me thou babbler. 
Know that Gomo hath an approved good conscience and not . 
easy made to make quail at sight cf a monstrous shadow cast by 
a ruin reflected upon by the light of the moon. Knave, thou 
liest ! [Gomo dashes Ferro to the ground.] 

Enter Raffaelo hastily l. 

Again ! What, is it appearing twice in form suspicious to blast 
my sight? Is it Raffaelo in semblance, or Raffaelo in reality? 
[aloud.] Speak ! I will kuow the worst. [Raffaelo starts as 
from a sudden thought crossing Iiis mind.] 

[Gomo draws his dagger and makes for Raffaelo. Raffaelo draivs 
his rapier, points it and retreats steadily to outlet. He beck Gomo to 
fotloio him. and exit. 

Gomo. Thou shalt answer me. [following Raffaelo.] 
Ferro. [thiows himself before Gomo.] Art thou mad Gomo? 
Surely tbou art when thou would'st risk toy life by pampering to 
uu idle whim. Stay where thou art, man. 

;Gomo. Stand back, I say ! who dares oppose me die3 on the 
spot! I will know whether if be Raffaelo of flesh and blood, 
or some bantering airy sprite emb^ttjd in his form. Back ! 
Enter Sigxor FkrsaQ^KK great haste, R. 
Sigxor Fernando. Gomo! GkBfe! Raffaelo is not yet num- 
bered witlrthe decid! Thou. 

Gomo. Ha I Signer Fernando here? Say'st thou that Raffaelo 



12 MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 

is not yet numbered with the dead ? He's still with the living then, 
for we saw bim make his exit there but now ! 

Signor Fernando. Raffaelo here ? 

Gomo. He or his ghost. As we saw him at fche piazza and 
castle ruins so saw we him a moment since. 

Signor Fernando. Alas ! Gomo the Fates deceive us, and 
appear to hover benignly about this Raffaelo's person. W e 
have seen no ghost, but Raffaelo in propria persona. Gomo 
thou andgthy companions killed the wrong man. 

Gomo and his Companions. Killed the wrong man. 

Signor Fernando. Ay, but 'tis too true. Young Antonio the 
sculptor, fell victim to want of foresight. 

Gomo and his Companions. ■{ Young Antonio the sculptor ? 

Signor Fernando. I saw his body borne to the guard-house 
amid the enraged populace, whose execrations and fierce yells 
for revenge, made the very welkin to ring. 

Gomo. Zounds ! 'tis true then that Raffaelo is still at large, 
and poor Antonio gone to pave the way for Raffaelo and this 
Raffaelo playing the ghost to avenge, no doubt, the departed 
spirit of the much lamented sculptor, [laughs.] ha ! ha 1 This is 
a rich joke Signor, savors of the serio-comic, and tickles my 
fancy. [Gomo and his companions laugh.] 

Signor Fernando. Gomo, this mistake is no laughing raattei* 
Ye killed the innocent, and I am loser. 

Gomo. Well, Signor, with your gracious leave we'll remedy the 
evil by curing the mistake. Raffaelo shall fall at our next 
attempt. 

Signor Fernando. Good ! but I'd have ye be wary Gomo. 
All Florence is put in commotion by reason of this unfortunate 
tragedy. 

Gomo. Commotion! What of that? 'Twill be but a nine 
day's wonder ere the troubled social elements will again subside 
into their wonted calm, and there the tale will end. But now 
to business. A second bargain is necessary. I want to know 
the sum. Signor, I am indeed a plain speaking man. 

Signor Fernando. [aside.] Ay, plain speaking truly. 
[aloud.] Well, Gomo, thou art brave and willing, and I think 
somewhat conscientious. Thou'lt be pleased to moderate a little 
on the second demand. The sum I gave thee was large, yet failed 
withal. 

Gomo. Failed ! a mistake merely. 'Tis not fair to depreciate 
the will, though the deed was not accomplished. Consider that, 
Signor. and let it balance in our favor. 

Signor Fernando. Good! I'll give thee six thousand 
florins. 

Gomo. Agreed ! [Signor Fernando hands Gomo a purse.] 



MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 13 

Signor Fer»andk3. Now no mistake this time, or a second 
failure would make it too dangerous to risk a third. 

Gomo. Fear naught, Signor. Thy generous bouuty must 
needs direct our blades to the heart of the right one this time 
Signor Fernando thou art worthy of Gomo's friendship, [a 
Hash and peal of thunder.] 

Signor Fernando. Heavens! what a flash and peal was 
that ? 

Gomo. Bah ! Take courage, Signor. 

Signor Fernando. I will. Now mind and fail not, and so 
fare ye well, [exit Signor Fernando, l. Gomo «/¥-! his com- 
panion burst into a loud laugh, and exeunt, r. 



Scene 2. — Apartment in Signor Gonzalo's house. Enter 
Mariana and Raffaelo, r. 

Mariana. Ah ! Raffaelo fain would I chide thee. 

Raffaelo. ! thou hast not the heart to do it, Mariana. 

Mariana. Alas ! Raffaelo, why didst thou venture here ? 

Raffaelo. O ! ask me rather wherefore should I not venture 
here. 

Mariana. No no, rather say 'tis risking too much. I fear 

this impetuous love of ours will bring us to a sorry end. Heavens ! 

my mother comes ! 0, Raffaelo, fly, nay — 'tis too late. Enter 

this door, (Raffaelo enters door l.) may Heaven preserve us ! 

Enter Signora Gonzalo, r. 

Signora Gonzalo. How, now Mariana. Thou lookest con- 
fused, nay, \ distressed, (embraces Mariana.) Come, come! Be 
cheerful. 

Mariana. It was not Raffaelo then, dear mother, whom all 
Florence supposed had met so cruel a death, yet I regret 'twas 
any one. Think'st, my august mother, 'twill be unravelled ? 

S. Gonzalo. Alas ! daughter, that's hard to say. Be as- 
sured the matter will be thoroughly sifted ; but whether the 
guilty will be discovered, is more than I'm able to tell, my child. 
Now, Mariana, I'm inclined to think that this Antonio, the sculp- 
tor, (for 'twas he they say) sought to attract thee under thy 
window, and jealousy on the part of another, I know child thon 
hast many admirers, dictated the deed. Raffaelo i? one of thy 
love-sick adorers. 

Mariana. Most true dear mother, and the only one I care 
for. Indeed his nobleness of soul hath made a captive of me. 

S. Gonzalo. But my child this love is a folly, since he's low- 
born, and thou of exalted rank. 'Twould be wrong in thy loving 
mother to encourage a passion so absurd and foreign to the rules 
and conventions of the society we move in. Moreover thy father, 



14 MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 

mark ye me, will never consent to that union. So now my child 
do bury the past in oblivion. Forget Raffaelo. 

Mariana. Never mother! Ask me to die rather than forego 
my love for Raffaelo ! In all else I'll be obedient dear mother, 
in that I caunot. 

S. Gonzalo- Alas ! do consider my child. Your father hath 
wisely chosen for thee a proper husband. One equal in rank, 
wealth and family prestige — Signor Fernando of stainless name 
and character. 

Mariana. I have considered, dear mother, and my resolve is 
made. If Signor Fernaudo weds me 'twill b3 my cold and life- 
less corpse. Heaven be my witness thereto. 

S. Gonzalo. Ah me ! what will be the upshot of thy own 
obstinacy and thy father's fixed determination remains to be seen. 
0, Mariana ! Thy fond mother trembles for thee, and well she 
may indeed, (betrays emotion.) 

Mariana, {embracing her mother.) Mother ! mother ! 0, for- 
give me. [they go up and seat themselves.) 

Enter Signor Gonzalo and Signor Fernando, r. 

Signor Fernando. How ? Signor Gonzalo? Antonio as.sassi 
oated and not Raffaelo ? 

Signor Gonzalo. Exactly so. ay, Antonio and not Raffaelo. 
Indeed what matters which. The affair is horrid in all it? phases, 
and for me made doubly so, as 'twas committed at the very 
threshold of my house. 

Signor Fernando. Alas ! 'tis most true Signor. 

Signor Gonzalo. Yes. the tongue of slander is very busy. To 
hear it lisped for instance — Mariana's lover, jealousy the cause 
'tis presumed. Why, Signer Fernando, 'twill grate harshly on 
mine ears. 

Signor Fernando, (observes the ladies.) Signor Gonzalo, the 
ladies. (Mariana and her mother rise and com,e down.) 

Signor Gonzalo. (advancing to his wife) Ha! my wife and 
daughter. How fares my lady Gonzalo ? (Signor Gonzalo 
takes his iviftfs hand. They retire up. Signor Fernando joins 
Mariana. They come down. 

Signor Fernando, (to Mariana.) How pleased I am to see 
thee look so happy Mariana. 

Mariana. Why should I lose my happiness ? 

Signor Fernando. It would seem that the painful tragedy of 
yesternight hath not changed, and I thank Heaven for it, thy 
cheerful brow, nor hath it diran'd the radiant brightness of those 
eyes. In troth there's not a single lineament disturbed that 
always graced thy bewitching countenance. But, sweet Mariana, 
it was not Raffaelo who fell ; they say, 'twas Antonio. 

Mariana. Ay, and blessed be the Saints that it is so, yet I do 



MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 15 

lament me much for poor Antonio. Now which of the two would 
the kind and considerate Signer Fernando have had to fall ? 

Signor Fernando, (starts.) Mariana to what end was that 
question put to me ? 

Mariana. Simply that I might know wh ther your choice of 
love leaned more to one than the other. Signor Fernando thou 
seemest agitated — art thou unwell ? 

Signor Fernando. Agitated ! 0, no ! nor am I unwell. Tis 
fancy, believe me. (aside.) 0! how searching is her eye! How 
like daggers her words ! (aloud to Mariana.) Adored Mariana, 
hast thou fully weighed my proposition of marriage? 

Mariana. 1 have. Signor Fernando. 

Signor Fernando. 6, Mariana, I love thee with all the fer- 
vor of my nature. I know it is so, ay, thou consented to become 
mine. 

Mariana. Yes, mine own dictator. 

Signor Fernando. And thou'lt wed ? 

Mariana. One of mine own choice. 

Signor Fernando. And that choice is ? 

Mariana. Enough that its known to myself. 

Signor Fernando. Yet my offer. Is it accepted ? 

Mariana. No. Do not deceive thyself further, Signor. My 
resolve is towed another. It is fixed and immutable as Heaven's 
decree ! (moves up.) 

Signor Fernando (aside.) Curses cnGomo! Raffaelo still lives 
but he mu3t die. that Fernando might fatteu on the glory of his 
fall. (Signor Gonzalo comes down. Exit Signor Fernando 
and Signor Gonzalo, r.) 

Signora Gonzalo. Well, daughter, does Signor Fernando still 
press his suit ? 

Mariana. As zealous as ever mother. 

Enter Signor Gonzalo in a fury r. [He rushes up and down.] 

Signor Gonzalo. A daughter did I think to have ? One 
whose beauty hath created for her a legion of idolators. 0»e 
whom a fond and doating father hath petted, coaxed, fondled and 
idolized, nay worshipped to turn disobedient and oppose that 
father's will. By ray soul, I'll have recourse to sterner stuff than 
my wonted milk of human kindness to bend her from hard necked 
obstinacy to soft pleasing compliance. Ay, the proud imperious 
Gonzalo will have his way, in spite of daughter, wife, or the world 
entire. 

Signora Gonzalo. My Lord and husband, why this extreme 
rage ? Where's the cause ? 1 'prithee tell me, my Lord. 

Signor Gonzalo (points to Mariana.) There! There it is! 

Mariana. I the cause, dear father ? Indeed I'm iguorant of 
it, then. 



16 MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 

Signor^ Gonzalo. ! how conceit cau blanch the guilty 
face, and o'erspread it with a tone of innocence ! Now, Mariana, 
with thy father that evasion will not do. Dost thou know 
Sign or Fernando ? 

Mariana. I do. Yet I am not flattered by that knowledge 
in the least. 

Signor Gonzalo. Thou refused then his preferred hand in 
marriage, and that too in opposition to thy father's will. 

Mariana, (kneeling to her father.) O ! forgive me, father ! 
Siguor Fernando can never be mine. Indeed I loathe him, and 
love another ! (Mariana rises and throws herself into her mothtr's 
arms.) 

Signor Gonzalo. (greatly agitated.) So this is my daughter ? 
Flesh of my flesh ! In faith, rank and lineage a Guelph ; yet in 
her head-strong will, an imp. (aloud to Mariana.) Mariana! now 
listen. The cold gloomy walls of a nunnery shall inclose thee in 
their icy fold, 'till thou hast learnt obedience. Get thee hence 1 
Away! 

Mariana. [proudly] A nunnery: Lheu be it so. But mark 
ye ! Thy daughter is resolved to brave her father's wrath ay, were 
that father Mount Vesuvius and threatened in his unnatural 
maledictions to o'erwhelm her with a torrent of lava, she'd stand 
like a cold marble statue on its solid base, unheeding, let it pass 
on. O, Raffaelo ! Raffaelo ! 

RaffaElo. [suddenly appearing Jrom side door l.] Didst thou 
ca,ll, Mariana? 

Mariana. Heavens ! lost ! for ever lost ! 

Signor Gonzalo. Raffaelo here ? 0! what a sight is here 
to inflame my breast with foul suspicion of my daughter's honor ! 
O, chastity! chastity! 'tis Heaven's boon and woman's greatest 
ornament ! 

Mariana, {seizing her father.] Father! father! thy daughter 
is innocent save that of loving Raffaelo. The new-born babe is 
not more chaste than she, and he there, Raffaelo as worthy of her 
love as is Heaveu of mine and thine. .Come dear father smile 
again upon thy daughter, and I 'prithe do look on Raffaelo with 
an approving eye. 

Signor Gosstzalo. [tearing himself from Mariana.] Never! 
a monument I'd rather ascend, and from its utmost top hurl 
myself, than see thee wed him, the low-born Neapolitan, who=-,e 
front bears impress of the savage Lazzarone. 

Raffaelo, If I've done aught to criminate me, to forfeit 
the world's esteem, or thine, thou shalt be my judge. At the bar 
of thy judgement I now stand arraigned, most noble Signor. 
Unaptly I am discovered here, which might justly call up thy 
displeasure. I love Mariana and she reciprocates that love. 
Therein lies my offence. Thou didst call me low-born, said my 



MARIANA OF FLORENCE. It 

face bore the impress of the savage Lazzarone, for which I hurl 
defiance id thy teeth for the proof thereof, nay, pity thee for that 
unjust remark. Know thou, Signor Gonzalo, that Raffaelo was 
lowly born, bnt not low-born, nor is his front, I 'prithee scan it 
to a nicety, Lazzarone-like, savage or inhuman, but impressed 
with the glow and fervor of youth, and type of bold urbanian 
prominence, the Raffaelo Sanzio of immortal fame. Signor 
Gonzalo I await thy pleasure. 

Signor Gonzalo. A dungeon, thou robber of my daughter's 
honor and my good name ! Ho there ! without there ! 

Enter male attendants, it. 

Seize that villian and away with him ! 

Mariana, [throws herself at her father's feet.] 0! spare him ! 
spare him ! Believe me father he's guiltless to a fault. ! 
spare him ! 

Signor Gonzalo. No ! no ! Death to the dog ! Unhand 
nie, daughter ! Mariana, unhand me ! [throws Mariana off.] 
[Tfie attendants approach Raffaelo.] 

Raffaelo. [Stilletto drawn and with great vehemence.] Back ! 
Do not touch me to further rouse the wrath that swells ray breast, 
or the penalty of the audacity shall be the forfeit of your lives, 
ay, corses at my feet, a damning proof of man's mortality. Away ! 
To follow me is to die in my track. Away ! [exit Raffaelo.] 

end of act ii. 



ACT III. 

; Scene i. — A street in Florence. 

Enter Marco and Marini. R. 

Marco. So Marini, our love-frolic has had a sad termina- 
tion. Alas! poor Antonio, how I pity him. Mcthinks no 
Christian mother ever gave birth to one more noble tind 
jovial hearted fellow. Ah ! his proposal was silly, yet sillier 
we to second it. 

Marini. Ay, Marco, 'twas a sorry end for Antonio. For 
me 'twill ever be a gloomy reminiscence. Still, dear Marco, 
past regret is vain, so with your leave we'll lay aside this mourn- 
ing grief, and act like men, ay, as becomes true-born sons of 
Italia's soil, viz., ne'er to rest till we've sniff'd, nay, o'ertaken, 



18 MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 

like pertinacious bloodhounds the author of the deed, and get 
satisfaction by driving our steel blades through his fiendish body. 
Now to my plan — that we do repdir in company to the piazza 
this very night. Thou or I, 'tis immaterial which, shall do as we 
in oath agree upon, to attract Mariana's attention, aud the other 
so conceal himself that in case of an attack we can each do bat- 
tle for the cause of both. 

Marco. Most excellent, good and valiant Marini. Your 
hand. By Jove! I'll do my duty to the very letter, or never 
more call me thine. 

Marini. {draws his rapier) Now, Marco, draw thy rapier 
(He draws his rapier.) 

Again Marini aud Marco do solemnly vow to proceed still un- 
daunted on their errand of love and revenge, to succeed or die ! 
( They sheath their rapiers.) 

Marco. Now, on ! on ! Marini — eve is waning fast. 

Marini. 0, Heaven be praised ! Come on! (Exeunt, l) 

[Exit Marini and Marco. . 

Scene ii. — The Piazza. 

Enter Marini and Maroo. l. u. e. 

Marini. (points his rapier.) 'Twas here poor Antonio fellg 
Alas ! departed Antonio, well do I remember thee. To Marini't 
mind thy worth shall ever remain vivid and cherished. ! wha. 
a fate for one so noble, to die so unaptly, ay, a death of igno 
miny. 0, shame ! They cut thee off when in the prime aud 
vigor of manhood — no warning given — no cause assigned, that 
moved to it that fiendish hand. Oh ! that my words might move 
Jehovah to guide thy fleeted spirit to our souls, and direct us to 
the channel of truth, that we may find the thread of mystery, 
and despite its many windings, discover the hell-hounds of the 
bloody deed at last. 

Marco, (rapier pointed.) 0, Antonio ! 'Tis to thy manes I 
will unfold my soul's lament at thy fated doom. ! may the 
Heavens be to pity moved, and thee a godly welcome shout. 
Surely such a fate as thine calls aloud for pity and revenge. An- 
tonio ! Antonio ! thou hast indeed our pity, nay more, a burning, 
quenchless wish so foul a wrong to see avenged. 

Ye powers above, do not that wish gainsay. 
We're ready and willing thy mandate to ob*y. 

Marini. Now, good Marco, I'll speed me on my errand— try 
my skill on the ears of Mariana, that beauty fair. Should I fail, 
'twill be no fault of mine. Tis rich to woo so coy a maid — 
'twould be richer, Marco, to win so great a prize. Now I'd have 
thee, hie to yon hiding corner. Bs sure no dust or gnat doth 



MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 19 

annoy thy watchful eyes, or they 11 drop 'tis certain, and I shall 
unprotected be. 

Marco. Never fear, good Marini — never fear. Tis a well- 
timed caution. I'll at once to my hiding place, so dispose of 
myself that my senses shall not lack a bit. So, God be with 
thee I (Marco conceals himself, Marini moves to Mariana's 
window.) 

Enter Gomo, Tomaso, Jacopo and Ferro, upstage. They stealth- 
ily peer around them. 

Gomo. That's he ! 

Tomaso. Ay, or Raffaelo hath many forms. 

Ferro. Gad ! tis he, by the ostrich feather waving in the 
centre of his white plume. 

Gomo. Humph ! he seems to know it too, for he, like the 
proud peacock, struts in the majesty of his own conceit. He 
knows the maid doth love him. Hush ! Keep ye lynx-eyed 
watch. I'll to the love-sick brawler and end him in a twinkling. 
(Gomo dashes at Marini, Marco makes for Gomo,) 

Marco. Come on, ye dogs of hell. 

Marini. Ha! a band of as^assins? Come on! My cry is 
Antonio and his revenge. {They fight, Gomo and his companions 
wound Marco and Marini.) 

Marco. ! my curse?! alight on that blood-stained hand ! 
Marini, I am stabbed ! (Exeunt Gomo and his companions in 
haste.) 

Marini. Marco, pursue ! pursue ! I, I bleed ! ! may eter- 
nal death be their doom ! (Exeunt Marini and Marco stag- 
f-ering.) 
Murmurs heard without, and a light appears at Mariana's 
window.] 

Scene hi. — A Street. 

Enter Gomo and Ferro. r. Gomo thoughtful. 

Ferro. It appears to me that thou art much changed of late 
Gomo. 

Gomo. How changed, Ferro, for better or for worse ? 

Ferro. For worse, methinks, for thou wilt not follow in the 
chase to capture Raffaelo. Come, think on the reward. Faith 
the sum's a tempting bait. 

Gomo. No ! me it shall not tempt. Mark me, Ferro, I'll be 
no longer a tool in the hands of Signor Fernando. Wouldst 
thou have me be a bloodhound at the heels of that noble youth, 
Raffaelo? No! no! I will not go ! Humph ! reward 1 I de- 
spise it now. 

Ferro. Dare I call thee a woman. 



20 



MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 



Gomo. Ay, if thou wilt, and take the chances in doing so. 

Ferro. Gomo, I would not anger thee. 

Gomo. Zounds ! Durst thou try it ? 

Ferro. Ay, could I but win thee to my suit. 

Gomo. Listen, Ferro. Let those hired menials who sigh for 
blood-money go to the " Retreat of Rocks," where 'tis said that 
noble and lion-hearted Raffaelo lurks for safety, and if they 
do catch him alive, by my hope of salvation, I'll give thee two- 
fold the offered reward, (aside.) I know they cannot do it — ha ! 
ha ! (aloud.) Now will that suffice, Ferro ? 

Ferro. It will. Thy hand Gomo. (they shake hands.) 

Gomo. Ay, and my heart to boot, (going off.) 

Ferro. Stay thou by me. (Exeunt Gomo and Ferro.) 

Scene iv. — A wild retreat — Rocks on all sides. In c. a yawning 
gulf. 

Enter Mariana and Julietta. l. 

Mariana. Art sure, my dear and confidential Julietta, my 
carriage is so prudently placed that Figaro can hither see to an- 
swer with lightning's .«peed my beckon or call. 

Julietta. As positive, my lady, as we both exist. 

Mariana. ! Julietta ! what a gloomy locality ! and for me 
alas ! made truly so by the fact that Raffaelo in his flight from 
the jaws of his persecuting enemies, must find in it his tempo- 
rary whereabouts at least. 

Julietta. ! do not despair, my lady. This uncalled for 
persecution must soon have an end. 

Mariana. ! that we had never loved, then this dismal home 
had ne'er been his. 

Julietta. Cease, I prithee, this despair, 'twill surely impair 
thy health, and add another woe to those thou bast already. My 
lady, you tremble ! 

Mariana. I do so, Julietta, for should this rash step be dis- 
covered, 'twill bring Raffaelo to a certain death, and myself 
within the walls of a convent, though the latter named, the lesser 
evil of the two. 

Julietta. Take courage, my lady. Really thou ought not 
to fear detection. That disguise will' suffice for that. But my 
lady art thou sure 'twas here Raffaelo did note it down. 

Mariana. In sooth I am sure of it. (takes letter from her 
bosom.) See Julietta, here it is. He says at the Gulf of Pan ; 
ay, this Gulf of Pan I well remember. It is so called by the 
superstitious peasantry, and is it not a frightful, yawning chasm ? 

Julietta. Indeed it is, my lady, {aside) and enough to give 
anybody the blues. 

Mariana. It would strike terror to the stoutest heart. I 



MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 21 

shudder as I gaze upon it It is from some mysterious impulse 
hard to explain. ! may the Fates ordain it that its gloomy 
and unexplored depth may give rise to hope like the box of Pan- 
dora, to afford some consolation to the lowly-stricken Mariana. 

Julietta. Lowly-stricken Mariana ! ! say not so my lady. 
I'll again venture to counsel thee. Be cheerful. Think that all 
will end well. Raffaelo's innocent and wary. Of that he's given 
many proofs. Consider wisely that this holy love of yours is a 
fated thing, and if Julietta be not circumscribed in her wits, why 
saucy Hymen will ere long metamorphose you two into one. But 
look, my lady, who comes hither ? Now I'll take* my leave awhile, 
and" in yon rock play " hide and seek." Still, my lady mistress, I'll 
keep within call. (Exit Julietta. l.) 

Enter Raffaelo. r. 

Raffaelo. (embraces Mariana.) Mariana, to behold thee 
again makes my heart leap with joy. 

Mariana. ! Raffaelo, can such a love as ours, heavenly, pure 
and holy, go unrequited ? 

Raffaelo. Methinks to harbor that thought is to bosom a 
wrong, which no sooner conceived would be by us plucked out, 
unworthy of our Id ope of Heaven's sanction to our love, and 
love's recompense — an union of two loving souls — the formation 
of another link in the great and endless chain of human events. 
Thou tremblest, Mariana ! 

Mariana. Ay, for thy safety. ! Raffaelo, what horrid 
tragedies have been committed to dim the hitherto good name of 
Florence. Their bare recollection wrings my young heart. 
L'sten ! Raffaelo — strong forebodiugs haunt n>y mind that the 
assassins aimed at thy life, yet their fell intent was maried by 
Providence. 

Raffaelo. ! let not fancies disturb thy mind. Rest as- 
sured that time will solve the mystery. Alas ! I pity those vic- 
tims ! 

Mariana. ■ And I do too, from my heart, Raffaelo. ! what 
a mysterious something holds the world and all therein to its 
iron will and bondage. But see, Raffaelo ! What is this ? 
Look ! Julietta hastens hurriedly this way. May Heaven 
shield us ! 

Enter Julietta, (l.) in gnat haste. 

Julietta. My lady ! my lady ! Fly ! fly ! Yonder comes a 
body of armed men led on by . O ! fly my lady ! fly ! 

Mariana. Raffaelo, we're lost ! 

Raffaelo. Not yet! Be firm. Remember the Nenisean 
lion was never fiercer or more unconquerable than I am now. 
(draws his sivord.) 



22 MARIANA OE FLORENCE. 

Mariana, [clinging to Raffaelo, and Julietta dinging to 
Mariana's dress. Raffaelo, be not hasty. Sheathe ! sheathe 
that murderous weapon.' Twill lead thee into error, and I shall 
repent me thereof. sheathe it — 'tis Mariana's wish. 

Raffaelo. (sheathes his sword.) That wish is answered. My 
sword is sheathed. 

Mariana. 0, Raffaelo, who comes ? 

Raffaelo. My pursuing bloodhounds, no doubt, who'd fain 
reap the reward uf live thousand ducats, and show me, if o'er 
taken, as much mercy as its nature allows it to do. But they 
shall not have me ; not alive, for with this sword and well-nerved 
arm, I'll light these menials and yelling hounds, and prove to 
these proud, o'erbearing patrician bloods that in the veins of 
plebeian Raffaelo courses a much purer blood — so let 'em come — 
I'm prepared. 

Mariana. Gracious Heaven ! They are here. (Raffaelo, 
Mariana and Julietta, move up.) 



Enter Signor Gonzalo and Signor Fernando, followed bu at 
tendants, armed, l. 

Signor Fernando, (perceives R ffaelo.) (aside.) Raffaelo 
and Mariana, as I live. (Raffaelo, Mariana and Julietta come 
down.) 

Signor Gonzalo. Great God ! it is Raffaelo and rny daughter 
Mariana ! 

Raffaelo. Ay, Signor Gonzalo, I am Raffaelo, and this is thy 
daughter Mariana. 

Mariana, (flying to Signor Gonzalo.) Father ! dear father ! 
O do cease this persecution on innocent Raffaelo. (Signor Gon- 
zalo spams Mariana from him.) ! listen father ! listen ! 

Signor Gonzalo. Away! Begone! Thy disobedience and 
unheard of conduct, hath brought down upon thy head a father's 
curse ! Begone ! Begone ! 

Mariana, {with resigned dignity.) O ! may Heaven forgive 
that daughter's father ! (Mariana moves to Raffaelo's side.) 

Signor Gonzalo. (furiously.) Attendants ! seize that out- 
law Raffaelo. Thy country's disgraced. Indeed a common mur- 
derer ! 

Raffaelo. (drawing his sword.) Tis false as God is tru« ! I 
am Raffaelo, but no murderer. It was not I who mangled the 
bodies of the brave and good Antonio, Marini and Marco. That 
fact is already registered in hallowed Heaven, whose just and 
scathing wrath will fall ere long upon the heads of the guilty 
damned. 

Signor Gonzalo. (to Raffael .) Base wretch ! with thee 



MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 23 

I'll not parley. Attendants do your duty. Away with him, 
ay, to a dungeon ! to a dungeon ! 

Mariana, (clinging to Raffaelo. Never ! If for that pur 
pose thou and thy minions have come, know that Mariana 
will die in defence of Raffaelo. 

Signor Gonzalo. Attendants seize him and bear him hence, 
I say ! ( The attendants press upon Raffaelo.) 

Raffaelo. Avaunt ! ruffians avaunfc! It is not my wish to 
shed man's blood, but in a righteous cause what will not a man 
do t I am innocent of these base accusations, and warn ye to 
stand aloof. The protecting influence of all seeing Heaven ho- 
vers over me, as 'twill ever over the heads of the innocent, the 
brave, and the falsely accused, (they continue to press upon Raf- 
faelo.) Back ! I defy ye all ! I'd pass, nor can ye obstruct 
me ! (aside.) Now for the leap of peril ! (Raffaelo cuts his 
way through attendants with determined desperation, gains the Gulf 
of p an, and leaps it. c. 

Mariana. Raffaelo ! Raffaelo ! (weeps.) 

Raffaelo. Mariana ! we shall meet a^ain ! 



Scene v. — A street in Florence. 

Enter Gomo and Ferro. l. 

Gomo. (pensive.) Alas ! Raffaelo so pertinaciously dogged is 
at length in manacles. Poor Raffaelo ! thou hast indeed Gomo's 
pity, lor he hath wronged thee much. Ferro, methinks there 
never was an eve like this since heavenly incarnation dawned on 
man, yet by my reflections most sadly dimned, nay blasted. To- 
morrow is Shrovetide- there's to be a Carnival, a public jubilee, 
in honor, I suppose of Raffaelo's self-surrender, and I dare say, 
subsequent execution. Ay, when to-morrow's sun shall have 
sunk in the horizon, Raffaelo, the Achillean youth, is to be 
sacrificed at the shrine of innocence! Jt is an accursed sin 
of that colossal magnitude, that the angels on high dare not 
palliate. 

Ferro. Hast thou turned moralist, Gomo ! 

Gomo. Wherefore should I not ? O ! Ferro, a fool is man 
to let his passions run riot, and plunge his soul into crimes for 
ducats, whose glitter, like the ignis fatuus, draws him spell-bound, 
despite reluctance, to his own destruction. Such is crime, Fer- 
ro. I feel its secret workings here, nor can I hunt the bugbear 
from my relenting soul. 

Ferro. Tut ! 

Gomo. Ay, thou may'st deem it weakness, yet so it is, that 
Gomo is now past his own control. 



24 MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 

Ferro, How ? Doth the burly Gomo repent him of the path 
to wealth ? Twas wise in thee to reap good fruit on vantage 
ground. Methinks it matters little how wealth is got. Its pos- 
session makes the man. Such is the world's esteem. Then why 
regret? Gomo, I'd not have thee shrink from what has passed, 
or from what may come. So be thyself again, (hooting and 
noises heard without.) 

Gomo. Ferro, dost hear those shouts ? 

Ferro. I do. 'Gad ! they come from stentorian luugs, with 
not a jot of music in their sound. 

Gomo. And to my ears they give a painful tingling, since 
my frame of mind is so opposed. Well, well, they're steeped in 
ignorance, and 1 pity those misguided wretches, (going off.) 
Now Ferro we'll hence, and wend our homewand way, to pre- 
pare ourselves for the coming morn, (exit Gomo and Ferro. r.) 

Scene vi. — A Square and Citizens observed. A dead march is 
played without. The Citizens kneel and cross themselves. 

Enter Signor Gonzalo and Signor Fernando, r. They con- 
verse apart. The multitude rise. 

Enter Priest, bearing a cross. Captain of the Niq4§t-Guard. 
Raffaelo pinioned, followed by Soldiers. Gomo and Ferro ob- 
served to force their way through the crowd, c. A female scream 
is heard from without. 

Enter Mariana r., in the gavb of a Nun. followed by Julietta, 
also in the garb of a Nun. Mariana's hair disheveled, and she 
looks raving. 

Mariana, (ivithout.) Pass, 1 will, ruffians. Who dares to deny 
Mariana access ? (enters.) Am I not the only daughter of the 
house of Bianchi? (observing Raffaelo she flies to him.) Raf- 
faelo! Raffaelo! 

Signor Gonzalo. (aside.) Ha ! my daughter here. 0, nun- 
nery ! where is thy security now ? 

Mariana. Ah ! have they pinioned thee, Raffaelo ? But I 
thank Heaven that thou art not yet immolated. Nor shalt 
thou be. ! innocence and persecution like thine shall ascend 
to the throne of grace to be revenged ; ay, these dastardly foes 
shall be crushed with an ocean of galling remorse and bitter 
dread ! 

Julietta. (clinging to Mariana.) My lady ! my lady mis- 
tress, ! do stay this anger. 



MARIANA OP FLORENCE. 25 

Mariana. 0, Julietta. I cannot. 

Julietta. 0, yes, thou cans't. Do be calm. This terrible" 
wrath will impair thy mind. 

Mariana. ! it matters not. 

J ulietta. Nay more, dethrone thy reason. 

Mariana. No ! no ! Julietta, leave me. 

Julietta. Nay, Julietta loves thee devotedly, and cannot help 
venturing a gentle reproof, which my lady methinks should 
take kindly. 

Priest. Lady Mariana I prithee take comfort. Be calm and 
go hence. Blood for blood is one of the sacred laws of Hea- 
ven, and, ergo, man's right. My lady Mariana, we must do our 
duty. So - 

Mariana. Hold thy babbling tongue ! Priest as thou art, 
I tell thee fearlessly that I'd rather pluck out these ears than 
doom myself to listen a second to thy wonton palliation of a 
sin, the enormity of which thou can'st not show an iota of ex- 
tenuation — the immolation of an innocent man. Go babble 
forth such sacrilege to credulous ears, and not to mine. (Maria- 
na flies about in front of the soldiers, making pitiful signs for 
them to release Raffaelo,) 

Gomo. %{aside.) ! a scene like this appals and makes throb 
the tough heart of the burly Gomo. Would I were a child 
again, for then would I willingly relieve my surcharged heart in 
a flood of tears, (the Priest makes a sign to move on.) 

Mariana. Nay, stay ! ! listen soldiers and you good citi- 
zens all ! Assist me "to stop, I conjure ye, this contemplated 
sacrifice of a noble, brave and innocent man. His sole crime 
being, if it is a crime, his love for me. They charge Raffaelo 
with murders, and they of the most heart-rending nature. But 
that charge is false ! Believe it not. Raffaelo possesses a soul 
much too noble and pure. ! did you but know him as I do, 
his guiltlessness would instantly flash across your minds, and I 
should see you shed tears of sorrow. Alas ! what an abomina- 
tion to say that Raffaelo stained his hands in the life-blood of the 
gay and youthful Antonio, Marini and Marco. 'Tis a bare-faced 
falsehood, a wicked and wanton subterfuge, conceived and made 
tangible by a monster in human form as yet unknown to ye, 
for a base and sordid end. That Antonio, Marini and Marco 
were unmercifully butchered, and that too under my window, 
whither Raffaelo repaired him, is most true ; yet soldiers and 
citizens, what devilish motive could instigate the act when be 
loved me, and I returned that love in all the warmth of my con- 
fiding nature ? Was it jealousy prompted the deed ? Ay, jea- 
lousy no doubt, but apart from Raffaelo. (agitation manifested.) 



26 MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 

(Signor Fernando writhes in agony.) (pointing to Signor Fer- 
nando.) See! See! Thank Heaven, those horrid distortions 
carry evidence of guilt as confirmatory as Holy Writ. ! be- 
hold him how he writhes ! 

Signor Fernando, (aside.) Great Heaven ! do* I dream ? ! 
methinks I now behold the airy visions of departed Antonio, Ma- 
rini and Marco. ! they taunt me with an unearthly power 
that further palls my wreck of soul — away ! (buries his face in 
his hands.) (much agitation manifested with the soldiers and citi- 
zens.) 

Mariana, (advances to Signor Fernando.) Now, Signor 
Fernando I summon thee on this spot and before high Heaven, 
to confront me. Nay, hold up thy head, to deny if thou cans't the 
charge I'm about to make. It is that thou, base unnatu- 
ral wretch, art guilty. That, instigated by jealousy, "cause Raf- 
faelc deserved my preference, thou did3t slay, if not by thine own 
hand, ordered to be slain, Antonio, Marini and Marco. 

Signor Gonzalo. Captain I desire thee to proceed. Mariana 
raves. Iadeed her words should not be heeded. Tier's is a deli- 
rium of the brain. 

% 

Mariana. Peace ! Dare essay another venture to mar my 
fixed resolve to stay this cruel execution, and I'll call thee father 
ay, father, the unnatural, and brand thee with a daughter's curse; 

Signor Fernando. ■ Soldiers and citizens ! The Marchesa's 
word3 are the ravings of a maniac, and of a revolutionary ten- 
dency, therefore to do your duty is to proceed. 

Mariana. Monster ! Go hide thy head from the gaze of man 
and the light of Heaven. Angels are said to weep in contemp- 
lating such as thou, and good men known to cry aloud. Go! 
go ! Mariana loathes thee ! 

Captain. Fair and beauteous Mariana, thy words have sunk 
deep into oar hearts. From many an eye I do observe the tear 
drop. Bat, alas ! my lady, pardon U3. We must do our dutv. 

Mariana, (weeps.) Good Captain, release Raffaelo. (much 
agitation manifested.) 

Captain. Consider what thou askest noble lady. It is im 
possible, (uproar with Soldiers and Raffaelo. Raffaelo is 
observed to make desperate efforts to break his fetters. He frees 
himself at length.) 



MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 27 

Eaffaelo. (throwing himself at Mariana's feet.) Mariana ! 
Mariana ! I've sundered these ignominious shackles ! I'm free 
again, and thine for evermore!!! (much confusion. Soldiers 
charge f on Raffaelo.) 

Gomo. [in a voice of thunder.) Hold ! 

Mariana. Hold! say'st thou? Stranger! who art thou? 
Speak ! ! in thy flashing eye, and on that quiveriDg brow, 
methinks I read a something, I know not what, yet a something 
'tis that leaps this heart of mine with a joyous emotion ne'er felt 
'till now. Speak! unbosom thy manly heart, ay, lay it bare. 
O ! let no hidden, blacken'd secret gnaw it there. Oat with 
it ! Mariana entreats thee, back'd by glorious Heaven in her 
honest cause ! 

Signor Fernando. To the execution. 1 beseech ye heed not 
the words of this man, since he's a madman. 

Gomo. False ! I am not mad. I am Gomo, and, thank God, 
still in the full vigor of my natural senses ; but thou, Signor 
Fernando, art the sole cause of these assassinations, so horrifying 
to the good and peaceful citizens of Florence, [much consterna- 
tion manifested.'] Know then soldiers and citizens that Signor 
Fernando sought me and my companions at our Smithy — tempted 
us by a bribe of gold to assassinate Raffaelo. By sheer mis- 
take the noble Antonio fell, then Marini, and the gallant Marco 
in defending Marini. [increased consternation manifested.] Raf- 
faelo's valor and persecution, Mariana's and RafFaelo's mutual 
and ardent love for each other, won for them my pity aud love. 
Raffaelo ! Gomo proclaims thy innocence. Thou art free as the 
uncaged bird, and may Heaven bless thee. Soldiers I surrender 
myself a prisoner to await the Tribune's clemency, [mingles with 
botdiers.] 

Mariana, [throws herself into the arms of Raffaelo.] Raf- 
faelo ! Raffaelo ! my prayer is heard— thou art free ! 

Signor Gonzalo. [moves to Signor Fernando.] O ! thou 
worse than man ! Fiend ! Monster ! Prepare thyself, au ig- 
nominious death awaiteth thee. Prepare thyself! 

Signor • Fernando, [draws a dagger and rushes upon Raf- 
faelo.] O ! thou accursed destroyer of all my hopes ! It is on 
thee I'll have revenge ! Die ! [Signor Fernando is seized with 
horrid convulsions, livo Guards advance. He falls struggling into their 
arms and dies. They carry Mm off. 

Mariana, [kneels to her fat he t .] Father! father! deign 
to bless thy daughter again with thy wonted smile and happv 



28 MARIANA OF FLORENCE. 

glance. If Mariana hath offended thee, thou must acknowledge 
in that offence a good divine — for see the moral — guilt proven 
and innocence proclaimed. ! smile again my honored father ! 
[?7S6S.] [Signor Gonzalo embraces his (laughter, and beckons the 
-Priest and Raffaelo to advance. Signor Gonzalo puts his 
daughter's hand into that of Raphaelo. They kneel. The Citi- 
zens form a picturesque group.] 



[Curtain.] 



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